Page 136 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2016

HOME & GARDEN my place
TINYHOME
BIGLIVING story by Lisa Kröger photos by Linda Ferrill
When her family lost their home
in Hurricane Katrina, Pye Parson relocated to Birmingham, Ala., to start a new life, though she would often daydream about returning.
“I had found my place in the world,” Pye said about the Waveland/Bay Saint Louis area. “My heart was still always there. All my best memories were on the Coast.”
She and her son Quen would come back to camp on their property, planning what they would build. While most people dream of a sprawling mansion, Pye wanted something smaller, 576 square feet to be exact.
Ten years later, along with husband Roald Hazelhoff, she was able to make that dream a reality, building a tiny house with modern design and eco- friendly elements.
Pye’s brother-in-law, Birmingham architect Bruce Lanier, designed the home, which was then built by local builder Travis March. In looking for ideas, Pye found an advertisement for a home-improvement television show, “Tiny House Nation.” She applied and was soon filming.
“Without the show,” Pye said, “the
house probably would not have been built.” The crew helped her secure building permits and work with zoning laws, which she said may have deterred her otherwise.
The house is a cube, measuring 24 feet by 24 feet, allowing for more volume than a rectangular design. The 19-foot ceilings also create a bigger feel. The home features one bedroom, a large bathroom, and a kitchen and living area, as well as a sleeping loft for Quen.
Pye wanted a low carbon footprint,
so the house was designed with eco- features, such as a tankless water heater and no ductwork. The south-facing orientation and custom windows act as a passive solar heating system, as the sun warms the house in the winter and the oak trees offer shade in the summer.
“Bigger is not always better,” Pye said. Tiny homes are affordable for young professionals or older people looking to retire.
“It’s about debt management and maintaining your lifestyle,” she
said. “We got hit hard after Katrina, everyone did. This home gave me hope and excitement again.”
www.pyesbeachhouse.com
136 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • March 2016 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
This cube shaped, unique, yet modern home may be small, but it’s full of character.